Al-Ahli eye Pape Gueye as midfield option

Al-Ahli have set their sights on Pape Gueye as an alternative in the transfer market, according to L'Équipe. The 27-year-old Senegalese midfielder from Villarreal, who won the award for best player in the AFCON final and best African player in La Liga this season, has caught the attention of the Saudi Pro League club, fresh from winning the AFC Champions League.

The operation won't be straightforward: the Senegalese international is tied to the Yellow Submarine until 2028, which complicates negotiations. Nonetheless, Al-Ahli is exploring this avenue in parallel with their attempts to extend Franck Kessié, whom they initially announced was leaving in early July but now consider keeping in their squad.